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By
: Jon Bugge & Suy Se, Picture by : Jon Bugge.
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The
plethora of different stances, gestures and
positions that Buddha is depicted in, are
a confusing cornucopia. To facilitate understanding,
here is a brief outline of the eight most
common depictions. Whilst providing a historical
perspective on the artistic interpretation,
Buddhist iconography is full of meaning and
gives insights onto Buddhism and the life
of the historical Buddha: Siddharata Gautama.
The statuary acts as a focus of veneration,
but also a reminder of the journey taken by
Buddha towards enlightenment. The seemingly
simple details of the sculptor convey meaning
and each position of the hand and body tell
a story all of their own.
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Buddha calls the earth
to witness.
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The position of the hands
shows that this Buddha is at prayer.
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In
Cambodia, there are eight gestures of Buddha
- "Mutrea" means the gesture of
Buddha:
The Vitkak Mutrea
Buddha:
Sitting cross-legged with one hand lain atop
the other with palms facing upwards. "Vitkak"
means contemplating or concentrating. This
is a classical depiction of the Buddha during
meditation and is one of the more familiar
stances. This depiction relays the path of
the Buddha, as he strove to understand and
eventually alleviate, the suffering of all
living things.
The Marvirak Chey
Mutrea Buddha:
Sitting cross-legged with the right hand turned
palm inwards and the fingers pointing to the
earth, the left palm resting on the thigh.
This is also known as "calling the earth
to witness." This comes from the story
of Buddha, as he sat underneath the Boddhi
tree. As it neared dawn Mara came in the form
of temptation and demons to disturb the Buddha.
In retaliation the Buddha touched the earth
and invoked its power thus dispelling the
evil forces.
The Thormachak
Mutrea Buddha:
Sitting cross-legged
and making the forefingers of right palm into
a circle, and the left hand sometimes copies
the right or is put on the thigh. "Thormachak"
means to pray like a wheel. The |
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of the wheel is a classic Buddhist imagery
and can be seen as representing the wheel
of life and the eternal cycle of Samsara -
the repetition of death and rebirth to which
all humans are victims to.
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The Akpheay Mutrea Buddha:
Either standing up, or sitting cross-legged
with a raised right palm - as if stopping
someone in front - the left hand points down
parallel to the body. "Akpheay"
means fearlessness. Buddha is seen as praying
to help the world's animals. In this stance
it is a reminder of an important tenet of
Buddhism- to not harm sentient creatures.
The
Vorak Mutrea Buddha:
Putting down both the right and left hands
at his side with both palms facing the front,
he sometimes sits cross-legged or stands
up. This depiction is to ensure those who
pray to the Buddha also receive his protection.
In this sense it can be seen as a blessing
stance.
The Batra
Tean Mutrea Buddha:
Standing clasping his Bat (Buddhist's alms
bowl). Historically Buddha collected alms
and this is still a crucial part of the
contemporary Sangha (monastic community)
- even today they can be seen on the street
collecting offerings of food from the faithful.
When the Buddha eventually died, he is reputed
to have turned his alms bowl upside down.
Even to this day an upturned bowl in many
Buddhist countries can signify death.
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Protested and sheltered
Buddha meditates beneath the hooded Naga.
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Buddha holds his alms
bowl.
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The
Sakyanak Mutrea Buddha:
Reclining, the Buddha sleeps by turning his
body to right side and left leg put over right
one. This shows his entrance to nirvana; the
point at which he left his physical body.
Ironically this stance is often seen as the
most serene. Usually this refers to the moment
when Buddha died and left the cycle of Samsara.
The idea of death being as natural as sleep
is one that is conveyed. It also shows his
fearlessness due to the compassionate and
benevolent smile that is normally associated
with this gesture.
The Brak Neak
Mutrea Buddha:
"Neak" means dragon and "Brak"
means to cover something. This relates to
a story of when there was a heavy storm
and a dragon, more often translated as a
Naga, came to shelter him. Thus the Buddha
is depicted as sitting cross-legged underneath
a multiple-headed, hooded serpent that is
coiled beneath him and thus protects him.
While the statues themselves cannot speak,
the body language is positively verbose.
From the tiniest detail comes a story or
parable that aims to help humanity on the
path to enlightenment. With such a diverse
amount of Buddhist schools and followers,
there is an equally large amount of differing
representations.
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The important
role religion plays within the kingdom
is obvious. Within each pagoda, there
are depiction of Buddha. Thus it is
important to be able to tell the differing
gestures apart, to try to comprehend
the diversity of the religion.
It is across the void of time that the
artisans, who created these pieces,
speak about this journey and the hope
that all humans can actively bring about
the cessation of suffering. |
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A reclining Buddha:
a depiction of the historical Buddha
prior to death.
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B8, Regency Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
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